The longest reach would be the polearms, which are rarely seen. Not as effective in close quarters but would allow you a modicum of risk prevention.

Am I the only one who would use a polearm on my character?

I'm alright with some skills that use a limited quantity of throwing weapons, like throwing axes and stars and knives. But they don't have the sheer power of a focused melee attack and don't have anywhere near the insane range of a bow or a gun. I think that would be permissible and balanced.

Assuming this doesn't force me to look like myself. I would just completely act all cute and huggable, and get myself into dangerous situations just waiting for some protagonist wannabe to save me, and then when he gets in close *shank* right in the jugular, grab his stuff, and run the hell away.

Stats focus on finesse. Average health helped as much as parry and dodge can help.

Teamwork linchpin, with counter skills. Generally amplifies weaknesses, denies strengths, and helps party members do what they do better. High damage skills are either inefficient (too much SP for what they do), need some setup (maybe helped by other party members), or need a good read (counter skills).

Can off tank and damage dump with the counters, but can't miss too many counters or there will be just be a guy with rogue health getting beat on.

I imagine I'd have to play a denial and counter game against other players.

Probably, in games they are not very common. Go play The Elder Scrolls 3: Morowind and there are polearms galore. But as soon as Oblivion came out the weapon list dropped the polearms. From a real world stand point the polearm was instrumental to many victories because it disallows the enemy to get close enough to attack you. However when you consider weapons for a game they are not Iconic enough for people to think about them. I doubt anyone will ever think of the ji(chinese halberd) for use in a game, even though it's design makes it one of the most useful polearms ever created.

SAO... I think I would go with tank, medium-high armor, short spear and shield.
Considering my knack for mindless repetitive work and that fact that I have insomnia which means I would not be sleeping much in the game I would work on having high defense, movement speed, regeneration, whatever would keep me in the battle longer.

Probably, in games they are not very common. Go play The Elder Scrolls 3: Morowind and there are polearms galore. But as soon as Oblivion came out the weapon list dropped the polearms. From a real world stand point the polearm was instrumental to many victories because it disallows the enemy to get close enough to attack you. However when you consider weapons for a game they are not Iconic enough for people to think about them. I doubt anyone will ever think of the ji(chinese halberd) for use in a game, even though it's design makes it one of the most useful polearms ever created.

Personally I wouldn't go with a polearm not because it isn't iconic, but because it becomes difficult to use in CQC. Polearms are best employed as part of a defensive formation or used on horseback, and while it's certainly not beyond the realm of possibility neither tactical formations nor cavalry were shown in SAO.

Using a polearm in single combat requires incredible finesse, as one needs to manage their range effectively. Failure to do so makes the weapon more or less difficult to use (if not useless) depending on the design and weight.

Assuming this doesn't force me to look like myself. I would just completely act all cute and huggable, and get myself into dangerous situations just waiting for some protagonist wannabe to save me, and then when he gets in close *shank* right in the jugular, grab his stuff, and run the hell away.

One moment I'll be

Then when you least expect it.

damn it, ok guys this form post is over. this guy clearly won. better luck next time guys